However, the Centre For Retail Research (CRR) has said that the figure could rise to 8.9 billion pounds this year - accounting for one in five of all UK sales.

"Mondays are the busiest day online, and as we approach December people become conscious that Christmas is only around the corner," the Sun quoted Richard Chapple, from online store Zavvi.com, as saying.

"This sees more people than usual logging on, and with this weekend also being the last payday before Christmas for many, they will make the most of having money in the bank to get presents, especially after a tough year," he added.

And the products that will attract most online customers in 2009 will include the iPod Touch, Xbox 360 gaming consoles and hit kids' toy Go Go Hamsters.

'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince' and the latest 'Star Trek' movie are expected to be huge sellers on DVD, while 'Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2', will thrill hundreds of thousands of gamers.

Toy of the year 'The Peppa Pig Tumble and Spin Memo' game is also selling fast.

The CCR has claimed that by December 2015 online shopping could account for half of our gift buying. (ANI)